EDITOR'S NOTES (2.21.2012): Before we go any further in this campaign season, let's review the difference between a "Republic" and a "Democracy". In the near future, we'll talk about "Progressives". Below is reprint of a column I posted last year. Read it and learn. Pass it on.
“The natural cure for an ill-administration, in a popular or representative constitution, is a change of men. “
Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 21, 1787
I sure hope you’re enjoying the cool Fall weather we’re finally getting. I am surprised that the trees in my neighborhood haven’t started changing colors. Like hubby pointed out, they are probably savoring the heavenly “sprinkling” they received this week. I can’t wait to take a day ride to Boone. And to see my Christmas tree farm.
That’s all good. And, ummm… my morning brew smells as heavenly. I’ve got Eight O’clock Bean in my cup. So grab yourself a cup because it’s time for a little bit of studying.
How many times during the Clinton era did we hear, “It’s the Economy, stupid”? I can hear James Carville’s (Freddy Krueger’s brother) squeaky, whiny voice now. This time around I’ve heard the pundits say it’s the economy and only the economy. I beg to differ. It’s about the Republic and for which it stands.
I love to read quotes, articles and books on the Founding Fathers. As if you can’t tell if you regularly read my column. One of the quotes on the American experiment that I often refer back to came from Ben Franklin. Franklin, at the close of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, was asked by an unknown woman what kind of government had been decided on. And Franklin’s reply was telling, “..a republic, if you can keep it.” We’re too close to losing it, folks, and it’s 223 years later. What exactly did he know then?
I’ve always wanted to have a clearer understanding of the difference between a democracy and a republic. It’s so easy to interchange the two and that’s completely wrong. I stand corrected.
So…What is a democracy? And what is a republic?
Let’s examine what the founding fathers meant.
They are not the same! The difference between a democracy and a republic are as stark in 2010 as they were in 1787. A democracy can be summed up by this description: “Rule by Omnipotent Majority”. (1) The minority has no power, no say, no recourse. They are insignificant. Hail to the power of the elitists and the laws of the land become impotent. Have you seen this lately? Healthcare reform passage, March 23, 2010, by the Democratic White House, Senate and House of Representatives, is a perfect example. You should be afraid.
If you read the Federalist papers (undoubtedly not easy) and study the Constitution, you would see the framers were adamant that a democracy is nothing more than tyranny. A democracy cannot stand the golden words, “Creator-given”, in the Declaration of Independence. Because those words directly state that no man can give life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to individuals. We are granted them by a higher power than man. By a power that no man can destroy. No matter what he/she tries. We always rebound. There is a reason it’s called the Declaration of “Independence” not the Declaration of “Dependence”.
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